Managing Climate-related Business Risks Through a Just Transition

A people-centred approach to climate action reduces resistance to sustainability measures implemented by businesses to facilitate the transition to net zero.

Companies that fail to adapt and address climate-related risks may face regulatory challenges, reputational damage, and financial losses. If people do not clearly see the benefits of climate mitigation and adaptation activities, businesses may receive waves of resistance to these measures, threatening to delay action on achieving environmental targets.

By proactively engaging in a just transition, businesses can manage these risks effectively, positioning themselves as leaders in sustainable practices and minimising potential disruptions to their operations and supply chains.

These measures will align companies in the direction of emerging legislation, build reputation and brand protection, promote financial stability and investor confidence, and ensure that people continue to support climate action.

This webinar series from the UN Global Compact Network UK explored how a just transition supports businesses from all sectors to reduce risks by future-proofing their operations, enhancing efficiency, and building more sustainable supply chains. It showcased best practice from businesses who have successfully used this approach to drive growth, access new market opportunities, and enhance their social license to operate.

SESSION RECORDINGS

Workforce

10 July, 14:00 - 15:30 BST

Engaging and retaining a talented and motivated workforce is crucial for businesses seeking success. Companies must therefore plan for employee retention, upskilling, and green job creation where needed to ensure they can continue operating with minimal risk to people and the local economy.

This webinar explored how businesses that prioritise employee engagement as part of a just transition not only safeguard their operations against risks but also position themselves as leaders in driving positive societal and economic change. It presented case studies from businesses who have prioritised continuous investment in workforce development and the creation of green jobs and provided broader guidance on how businesses can navigate the transition towards sustainability while fostering a more equitable and prosperous future for all stakeholders.

SPEAKERS:

Yulia Gershinkova, Technical Officer in Business and Decent Work, ILO
Martha Selwyn, Social Impact Lead, SSE
Shavanah Taj, General Secretary, Wales TUC
Richard Bate CFIOSH,Vice President, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)

Misinformation and Disinformation Risks

June 26 14:00 -15:30

This session explored how companies can push back against climate misinformation and disinformation by advocating for stronger regulation; using leverage to push for more digital transparency and accountability; and developing effective communication campaigns to promote productive dialogue. It explored guiding principles for businesses to take forward when taking a stance on climate and human rights-related issues in their communications, while recognising their own challenges.”

Speakers:

Pallavi Sethi, Policy Fellow (Climate Change Misinformation), Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change & the Environment
Belinda Christine Borck Global Public Policy Coordinator, Tony’s Chocolonely
Harry Day Associate Director, Forster Communications

Risk Management Through Due Diligence

26 March, 14:00 - 15:30

This session convened business case studies and civil society representatives to demonstrate the business benefits of managing risks through due diligence. The discussion explored how the UN Guiding Principles can be used to understand and respond to the human rights risks associated with businesses’ climate change response, how investors are expecting businesses to manage these risks, and more.

SPEAKERS:

Helen Meekings, Climate Change, Environment, and Human Rights Senior Adviser, Shift
Federico Burlon, Deputy Director of Business Engagement, Shift
Katie Frame, ESG Engagement and Stewardship, Schroders
Joachim Roth, Climate Policy Lead, World Benchmarking Alliance
Barbara Wettstein, Human Rights Manager, Nestlé

Community Engagement

16 April, 14:00-15:30 BST

This webinar brought together business leaders from a variety of sectors to present leading practice approaches to stakeholder engagement, including Free, Prior, and Informed Consent. It also provided guidance on delivering remedy where stakeholders have been identified as suffering harms as the result of business operation.

SPEAKERS:

Phil Bloomer, Executive Director, Business and Human Rights Resource Centre
Adele Tharani, Social Sustainability Manager, Ørsted
Stacy Hope, Partner, ERM

Inclusive Development Models

14 May 14:00 - 15:30

This session explored how community benefit sharing and co-ownership by governments, investors, and stakeholders within the supply chain provide a critical foundation for ensuring a trust transition. It demonstrated how businesses can best respond to this emerging need and plan for the long term by focusing on rebalancing inequalities for societal and economic change.

Speakers:

Serena Mendizabal, Just Transition Manager, Sacred Earth Solar
Patricia Iacob, Law and Policy Advisor (Climate & Forests), ClientEarth
Morven Smith, Head of Community Investment, SSE

ACCESS THE RECORDINGS

Stay Informed

Climate Action and Human Rights: How the UN Guiding Principles can help companies respect human rights when responding to climate change (Shift)
Guidelines for a Just Transition Towards Environmentally Sustainable Economies and Societies for All (ILO)
Indigenous Peoples and a Just Transition for All (ILO)
Just Transition in Supply Chains: A Business Brief (UN Global Compact)
Just Transition Assessment (World Benchmarking Alliance)

Contact

For any questions about the Managing Climate-related Business Risks through a Just Transition webinar series, please contact or Cora Edwards, Senior Project Manager (Social Sustainability).